John Bowes Morrell

John Bowes Morrell (1873–1963) was an English historian and writer. He was twice Lord Mayor of York, a leading figure in the local movement to establish a university in York, and founder of the York Conservation Trust. The J.B. Morrell Library at the University of York is named after him.

Biography John Morrell's father was William Wilberforce Morrell (1837–1904), a bank manager in York, and the author of 'The History of Selby' which was illustrated by his sister Jemima. His mother, born Lydia Hutchinson (1832–1939) married the non-conformist Morrell, who was a Wesleyan Methodist, whilst it appears she was a Quaker. Their religiosity seems to have been behind John's activism in Liberal Politics from a young age.

He bought many newspapers, including the Birmingham Gazette, Lincolnshire Chronicle, and Westminster Press.

Historian of York He wrote several books about York. He was made an Honorary Freeman of the City of York, given honorary degrees and declined a knighthood.

Legacy A plaque to Morrell is on the exterior of 111 Walmgate, also known as Bowes Morrell House. The library, built on the campus of the University of York was named after Morrell in 1966.

Select publications Morrell, J.B. 1928. How York Governs Itself: Civic Government as Illustrated by the County of the City of York. Morrell, J.B. and Watson, A.G. (eds) 1933. Whitehall at York. How York is governed by the ministers of the Crown. Morrell, J.B. 1944. York Monuments (The Arts and Crafts in York). Morrell, J.B. 1947. The Biography of the Common Man of the City of York as recorded in his epitaph. Morrell, J.B 1949. Woodwork in York. Morrell, J.B 1955. “The City of Our Dreams”.